With apologies to your readers who felt the combination of George W. Bush and Richard Cheney amounted to pinnacles of American statesmanship, I eagerly awaited, I clung to, I embraced the change that would come in 2008. Did I say "eagerly?" Too soft -- take it to the 100th power.

When change finally arrived with Barack Obama's ascent to the West Wing, I felt, through his campaign speeches and his enthusiasm, a wonderful wave of change had arrived. Relief seized me, something I hadn't felt since JFK trounced Richard Nixon. Here at last would be a president who would not be a mere dupe in office for the real behind-the-curtains source(s) of power. Anything (again) seemed possible.

I was wrong. Even the attempt to provide health coverage for all Americans -- much like Europeans enjoy -- now feels more like an attempt to play into the hands of insurance companies. Not a humanitarian act. Reality set in.

My interest in this president has waned since 2008.

Upon his 2012 re-election, another bold speech with a "can- do" philosophy. It felt like deja vu, '08 revisited. I couldn't listen to more of the same, turned off the TV, went looking for my latest Lee Child's novel.

I am not an astute watcher of the Washington, D.C., scene. Too much corruption, too many broken promises, too many sorely unimpressive delegates.

As to your question, I simply wish I could proudly itemize each and every order and either defend or lambast it. I can't. Not to sound woe-is-me, but when the spirit and interest sags due to what I perceive has been lost the past 14 years, I have found more fulfillment in washing and waxing the car, needlepoint, and collecting string.

In the meantime, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert do console. A little.

I wonder what Jonathan Swift, if he were alive today, would say. Or write.